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New cross-training challenges for the New Year
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Now that the New Year is here, it's time to think about new ways to meet your fitness goals. Perhaps you've already set your New Year's running resolutions for increasing mileage or speed. But what about cross-training goals?
Cross-training should be a regular part of anyone's running program. Cross-training activities such as swimming and biking continue to build cardiovascular fitness while reducing the amount of impact felt while running.
Another aspect of cross-training that needs to be considered is strength training. Strength training is often disregarded as a valuable aspect of training. But building strength in both the upper and lower body, as well as the core (the muscles in the abdomen and back) is extremely important. Building strength may help with that late-race surge in speed, keeping your posture as you fatigue, and prevent injury as you not only strengthen muscles but the tendons and ligaments surrounding them.
Two very easy ways to build upper body and core strength: push ups and sit ups. Here I present two new cross-training challenges for the New Year: the One Hundred Push Up Challenge and the Two Hundred Sit Up Challenge. Both are developed by Steve Speirs, an extremely talented runner and fitness buff.
Each program is designed to gradually build your strength and endurance so you can complete either the 100 push ups or the 200 sit ups consecutively in 6 weeks. There is an initial test to see what your current fitness level is for each activity and you follow the plan according to your own ability. As an added incentive for completing the program, your name can be added to the list of those taking the challenge as well as those completing the challenge.
Because push ups and sit ups can be done just about anytime and anywhere, these programs are a perfect way to gradually build your strength and stamina, ultimately improving your running. Take the challenge today!
Happy running!
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